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Care home residents showcase their artwork in collaborative exhibition

2024-03-15T14:12:04+00:00

Creative Health charity Independent Arts is celebrating age this Autumn with a special mixed media art exhibition created by residents from 13 care homes across the Island during the past year. On display are works inspired by Monet’s ‘Waterlilies’, Matisse, painted seascapes, a sensory garden, along with modern sculpture, photographs, textiles, ceramics, and mosaics. The unique exhibition was curated by the charity’s team Nicola Ward, Kerry Tindall and Jo Rigby to showcase the amazing talent of both residents and the dedication of professional arts practitioners who supported them, Kirstie Hayler, Lou Elliott, Miranda Amapola and Davina Smith. “Last time we displayed art created by care home residents everyone was hugely inspired and this time our elders have done it again!” says chief executive Lisa Gagliani. “It’s simply amazing how taking part in some form of creative activity can unlock hidden talent - along with happy memories. We can all learn something from this this poignant reflection of creative ageing.” Independent Arts delivers music and crafts to more than 30 care homes across the Isle of Wight. Called ‘Workshops for Wellbeing’ these paid-for workshops are more than simply entertaining activities for elderly residents, with a focus on wellbeing and reminiscence of happy memories. In the past year alone 10,600 care home residents enjoyed one or more activities delivered by Independent Arts through their 20 highly skilled and vetted professional arts practitioners. The Island-only charity also offers bespoke one to one art workshops to residents who are elderly, have dementia or to adults with learning difficulties. Anyone can visit the Exhibition, which is open Monday to Friday 10am-4.30pm and on Saturdays 12-2pm at Independent Arts Creative Hub, 48/49 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1SE. Entrance is free, but donations are very much appreciated by cash, debit card or monthly standing order. For more information about the services Independent Arts provides to Island care homes, visit www.independentarts.org.uk/join-in/for-carehomes/

Care home residents showcase their artwork in collaborative exhibition2024-03-15T14:12:04+00:00

Isle of Wight’s Young Visionaries Unite Science and Art in Wavelength

2023-10-12T12:02:56+01:00

Wavelength, a year-long project, has taken the Isle of Wight's young talents aged 7 to 13 on an exciting journey at the intersection of arts and science. This innovative initiative unfolded in six local schools, offering students a golden opportunity to partake in a series of funded workshops. These workshops ignited the sparks of curiosity, bridging the gap between science and artistic creativity. Guided by the fascinating world of science and the tireless dedication of Isle of Wight's scientists, Wavelength's exhibition showcased a spectrum of captivating experiences. From the mesmerizing art of Japanese marbling to the replication of cells in petri dishes, to the enchanting exploration of flight through a parliament of owls, this project is a testament to the boundless potential of young minds. Witness the captivating journey where science and art seamlessly merge, providing a platform for Isle of Wight's budding talents to shine. Don't miss the exciting developments from Wavelength, where innovation knows no boundaries. To find out more about Wavelength projects speak to Kerry [email protected] A short film showing project visits to the Wight Aviation Museum and and Museum of Island History A short film showing school children using UV torches to paint with light A fun Arts and Science Day at our hub, exploring magnetic energy A filmed tour of our first Wavelength public exhibition Second Wavelength public exhibition

Isle of Wight’s Young Visionaries Unite Science and Art in Wavelength2023-10-12T12:02:56+01:00

Could you join our governing board as a trustee?

2023-10-05T11:59:08+01:00

Independent Arts is a registered charity and is now looking to recruit three new trustees from January 2024, as part of a planned succession programme following a recent skills review. We’d like to hear from you if you have professional experience in: - health and social care (especially mental health) - broad fundraising strategy - youth services (or are a young person aged 18-25 years) Independent Arts is committed to inclusivity and diversity, so if you may need some assistance to apply or to fulfil this role, please let us know. Due to the nature of the charity, trustees do need to live on the Isle of Wight. These are senior volunteer roles. The board meets four times a year at our Creative Hub (early evening) to review the performance and direction of the charity, which is led day to day by the chief executive and staff. Outside of the meetings, trustees are encouraged to support the charity at events, workshops and to read the papers provided to be able to support the team fully in delivering the mission. Prospective applicants are advised to read more from our Trustee page before they apply. To have an informal chat about what is expected of a trustee before applying, please email [email protected] who will arrange a convenient time.   To apply: Email a cover letter explaining your interest and suitability for the role including relevant specialist experience. Please include the names and contact details of two referees who can vouch for your expertise and character. Please also enclose a CV if possible. Application deadline: mid-day 9thNovember email to [email protected] with Trustee Application in the subject line.   Process: applicants are warmly encouraged to request a call with or visit to meet our chief executive before applying. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in person. Selected candidates will be invited to attend a trustee meeting to observe the discussion and to meet the other trustees socially. Following this, new trustees will be appointed in January.   Induction and start: a full induction programme will be arranged during January and February, to include visits to the charity’s activities and to meet the executive team. A calendar of meeting dates and other optional events will be provided.

Could you join our governing board as a trustee?2023-10-05T11:59:08+01:00

Young people unveil mural that celebrates the coast

2023-09-29T13:01:31+01:00

If you have parked in the Little London carpark in Newport recently, you will have been treated to a wonderful vision of the Island’s coast, thanks to the latest mural by a group of young people working with artist Laura Hathaway and arts for wellbeing charity Independent Arts. The mural, which was officially ‘unveiled’ on 8th September, was funded by the Isle of Wight AONB Partnership to help raise awareness of the Island’s natural environment and extends a trail of black and white artworks created by the young people and Laura as part of the Artswork investment programme Supporting Young Minds. You can see other work at Newport Bus Station and Chain Lane. To get inspiration for the mural, the young people, Laura, filmmaker Bruce Webb, and the team from Independent Arts caught the number 12 bus to Compton Bay, which sits within the Island’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and spent a day painting and drawing there, using a range of media, including pigments they made from clay, earth and vegetation. The young people described the visit as relaxing, peaceful and calm. This was very much what The Isle of Wight AONB’s Richard Grogan had in mind when he funded the programme. He explained: “In a time of heightened anxiety amongst young people about their future we hope the IWAONB can help them relax and take stock of their experiences and externalise those thoughts and feelings as inspiration for public art that may help others.”

Young people unveil mural that celebrates the coast2023-09-29T13:01:31+01:00

Our Creative Hub will be open for the Coronation

2023-05-03T12:26:31+01:00

Independent Arts will be open this Saturday, 11am-6pm, for the King’s Coronation. It will be a fun place to be, as the talented young musicians from Platform One perform outside in St James' Square to celebrate the day.

Our Creative Hub will be open for the Coronation2023-05-03T12:26:31+01:00

Young people appoint artist for Ryde transformation

2023-03-08T20:42:25+00:00

A group of young people, supported by Network Ryde (Ryde Town Council’s Youth Service), has appointed artist Gaz from IdolMind to make public art for Ryde town centre that will highlight environmental issues and raise awareness of the Island’s Biosphere status.

Young people appoint artist for Ryde transformation2023-03-08T20:42:25+00:00
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